Outdoor Enthusiasts: Best Relocation Destination Nature Lovers to Move in 2025
I’ve always felt the most “me” when I’m outside because of the fresh air, the opportunity to work on paths, and where it is calm. So when the decision to move hit me, I wasn’t looking for work or how much was the rent. I was also looking for the best places to live where being outside was not a chore. I wanted it to be a part of my daily life.
Top Places to Move If You Crave the Outdoors Daily
New Zealand was one of the first places I seriously looked at; it was harder to see a match when there were options. One morning I found myself out surfing, and by the afternoon, I was hiking through snowy trails like it was the most normal thing. Queenstown feels like it was made for people who like to move. I saw locals bungee jump in the middle of a weekday – no big deal. Even if you end up in Wellington, there were hills, water, and walking tracks that make you feel far from any rush.
During this time, I remember typing into a search bar: “Best country to live in for nature lovers who enjoy surfing and hiking.” That led me straight to New Zealand’s endless list of natural playgrounds.
Canada was next on my list. Sure, winters can be intense—but for those who likes skiing, mountain biking, or kayaking, the place is a dream. In Vancouver, I met people who work downtown during the week and go to the mountains or wade through the water by the weekend. Banff in Alberta is something else – it’s the kind of place that makes you stop when you see the mountains. It’s quite breathtaking actually.
Easy-Going Places Where Life Moves Slower
I didn’t expect to be pulled in by Portugal, but it had this calm energy I didn’t know I needed. The Algarve region, especially, had golden cliffs, quiet trails, and these tucked-away beaches that felt almost secret. It’s warm most of the year, the food is fresh, and people actually seem relaxed—not just pretending.
At some point, I asked myself, “Is Portugal good for slow living and beach hikes year-round?” and, honestly, the answer unfolded in front of me over grilled sardines and ocean sunsets.
Costa Rica gave me a different kind of peace. It’s where jungles roll straight into the ocean and everything just slows down. I stayed near the Central Valley and also went out to the coast. There, I experienced hiking up to the waterfall. I also tried surfing there too – it was a big thing for me. I spot monkeys, toucans, or butterflies as a part of the scenery and it was beautiful. There’s a reason people say “pura vida” there. It’s not just a slogan!
I once looked up “where can I live if I want wildlife, surfing, and peace of mind?” and Costa Rica popped up again and again.
Underrated Outdoor Spots Most People Don’t Think About
Slovenia wasn’t even on my original list. I stumbled across it while browsing travel videos and kept wondering, “Is Slovenia actually good for nature lovers or just pretty in photos?” So I went. I didn’t know much until I landed in Lake Bled. But what stayed with me was hiking through Triglav National Park. It’s quiet, green, and not crowded. No lines, no noise. Everything felt simple and open. For anyone who wants to hike without the chaos of touristy spots, Slovenia hits the mark.
South Africa was another place that was surprising for me. I went on a hike to Table Mountain and I also went tasting wine in Stellenbosch. The mix of city and nature in Cape Town is wild. You can work all day and still be at a trail or a beach by sunset. It felt alive in a really different way.
The Not-So-Instagram Parts of Moving for Nature
Now, I’m not saying it’s all perfect. Living close to nature means making trade-offs. Are you okay with being far from big stores or clinics? Will patchy internet drive you up the wall? And yeah, some spots don’t have that late-night burger place you love.
I had the chance to visit during the off-season and that’s where it is usually less crowded because there were no tourists which means no noise. Just the place as it is. That’s when I asked myself, “Will I still like this when it rains for a week straight?” or “How far is the grocery store if I don’t have a car?”
Another good tip I picked up from forums was searching: “what’s daily life like in [country] when it’s not tourist season?”—very different answers than the travel blogs give you.
Know What You’re Really Looking For Outdoors
Are you more into mountains or beaches? Do you need daily hikes or just a nice place to drink your coffee outside? Do you want to live in total quiet, or do you want to be near a city with a good café?
For me, I needed both. I wanted to feel free without being completely off the grid. Somewhere I could walk a trail in the morning and still grab lunch with a friend without needing GPS. Everyone’s balance looks different. And that’s okay.
Try asking yourself simple questions like “what kind of nature makes me feel calm or excited?” You’d be surprised how much clarity that brings.
Moving Outside Changes the Inside Too
Living near nature isn’t just about pretty views. It changes how you live. Your mornings slow down. You look at the sky more. You spend more time outside without planning it. You stop rushing so much.
The simple things like hearing birds instead of traffic, or bumping into neighbors on the same walking path every day—those little things are now something I enjoy the most because it makes me feel different. Calmer. Lighter, maybe.
Sure, you’ll miss stuff from home. Your favorite food spot, friends; that bookstore you used to go to. But if you find a place that lets you feel more at peace just by stepping outside, then it’s an experience that you will not
If you are a little bit curious about where you could move where you can enjoy an outdoor life—or you just want to see how other people are figuring it out—check out Outplore. It’s a good spot to get ideas, real stories, and the honest side of relocating.
Sometimes moving isn’t about running away from something. It’s about walking toward the kind of life that feels right in your bones.
